The specific therapy selected for an individual with OSA is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and the results of the polysomnography (overnight sleep study). Multiple treatments are available for OSA including, but not limited to :

Behavioral modifications (see below)

CPAP

Oral appliance therapy

Surgery

Behavioral Modification is an important part of all treatment programs, and in mild cases, behavioral therapy may be all that is needed.

Weight loss, if needed

Regular exercise

Avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, and tobacco

Stress management

Body positioning during sleep

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP) - is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea and is considered the gold standard of treatment for OSA. It provides positive-pressure air through a nasal mask to keep airway open during sleep. CPAP is not "site specific" and is the only treatment which is effective regardless of the location of the obstruction and the severity of the disease. Although this treatment has helped many people, some cannot tolerate this method.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) - is a conservative treatment option using an oral appliance for patients to wear while sleeping. These devices change the position of mouth structures to maintain an open, unobstructed airway in the throat. There are many types of oral appliances and Dr. Beadling has the expertise to help choose one that would be best for you.

Proper design, construction, and follow-up care of these devices requires a trained dentist with an in-depth knowledge of jaw joints and sleep disorders. This type of treatment is "site specific" in that an OAT will have no effect on obstructions high in the upper airway or low in the airway. Patients often prefer oral appliances to CPAP, however, CPAP is more effective in reducing number of apneas and increasing oxygen levels.

Surgery - Except where abnormalities are present (nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, or jaw malformations) surgery is only 50% effective and many cases which are initially successful fail within five years. The type of surgery that may be required is dependent on site and type of obstruction. Types of surgeries may include but not limited to: